Recall 13V322 covers 802 2010-2012 Kenworth T4 Series and W9 Series trucks for alternator wiring near the exhaust manifold. Free repair at a Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 802 2010-2012 T4 Series and W9 Series trucks because alternator wiring can contact the exhaust manifold. Heat from the manifold can melt the wiring and lead to a vehicle fire; Kenworth dealers will complete the repair free of charge once Kenworth opens it.
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What's wrong?
The alternator wiring on 2010-2012 Kenworth T4 Series and W9 Series trucks carries electrical current between the alternator, batteries, and the rest of the truck's electrical system. The alternator keeps the batteries charged while the engine runs. The exhaust manifold is nearby on the engine, and its job is to collect hot exhaust gas and route it away from the cylinders.
On affected trucks, the alternator wiring is routed so it contacts the exhaust manifold. That puts an electrical wire against a hot engine part. Heat and vibration can damage the wire covering, which protects the conductor inside. Once that covering breaks down, the exposed wire can create an electrical fault.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not rely on a warning light, noise, smell, or gauge change to identify this defect before the wire is damaged.
Who's affected?
Spans the T4 Series and W9 Series across the 2010-2012 model years; wiring is the component named for each vehicle group.
| 2010 Kenworth T4 Series | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2010 Kenworth W9 Series | wiring |
| 2011 Kenworth W9 Series | wiring |
| 2012 Kenworth W9 Series | wiring |
| 2011 Kenworth T4 Series | wiring |
| 2012 Kenworth T4 Series | wiring |
| Units affected | 802 |
The year and model narrow the match, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Alternator wiring that touches the exhaust manifold can melt and start a vehicle fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid putting the truck back into regular service until the wiring is re-routed. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 Kenworth T4 Series or W9 Series is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask about the free alternator-wiring reroute that keeps the wiring away from the exhaust manifold.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V322 when you call.
- Avoid operating the vehicle if you smell burning wiring, see smoke, or notice electrical problems before the dealer repair.
- Call Kenworth customer service at 1-425-468-7400 with questions about this recall.
What happens at the repair
Kenworth's filing does not list a remedy status in this input, but the repair it describes is straightforward. Once the dealer repair is available through the recall process, a Kenworth technician re-routes the alternator wiring so it stays clear of the exhaust manifold. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The recall began during August 2013, so ask a Kenworth dealer to confirm the repair status for your VIN before arranging service.
Timeline
| July 23, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 9, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V322?
Recall 13V322 covers 802 2010-2012 Kenworth T4 Series and W9 Series vehicles with alternator wiring that can contact the exhaust manifold. If the wiring melts, it can lead to a vehicle fire. Kenworth dealers will re-route the alternator wiring for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 Kenworth T4 Series or W9 Series is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V322. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the alternator wiring re-route. Reference Kenworth recall number 13KWJ when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V322 is a free alternator wiring re-route at a franchised Kenworth dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. On affected vehicles, alternator wiring can touch the exhaust manifold, melt, and lead to a vehicle fire. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, ask a Kenworth dealer for guidance before putting the vehicle back in service.
What if I bought this Kenworth used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your T4 Series or W9 Series is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 13V322 or 13KWJ.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V322000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-468-7400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V322 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V322000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →